Abstract: A continuously operated liquid-solids separator for separating a powdered resin material suspended in water forming a slurry by permitting the resin, which is of a lower specific gravity than the water, to float or be impelled upwardly within a separator vessel or upright tank from which it is withdrawn through an outlet orifice as a thickened slurry.

Abstract: Severed metal bearing ore is placed in a vessel having a water inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top. A propeller causes water to flow upwardly through the vessel and to be discharged through the outlet carrying gangue with it. Concentrate, which is heavier because it contains the metal to be recovered, does not rise to the level of the outlet and therefore remains in the vessel. A member, which can be floated on the top surface of the water, inhibits turbulence and suppresses the formation of a vortex, thereby contributing to the formation of a calm water region at the top of the vessel for improved separation. Water turbulence can be further inhibited by a screen placed across the vessel between the propeller and the floating member.

Abstract: A material separator includes a housing defining a settling chamber, a communicating drain chamber and a discharge member. A horizontal screw conveyor extends through the settling chamber and drain chamber to the discharge chamber. Material to be separated is introduced into the housing at the top of the settling chamber and water is introduced into the bottom of the settling chamber at a flow rate sufficient to partially immerse the conveyor. The heavier material components sink to the bottom of the settling chamber while the desired lighter components float and are advanced by the conveyor and water flow into the drain chamber. In the drain chamber, the horizontal screw conveyor is tapered inwardly as the screw conveyor traverses the discharge chamber and a tapered screen is positioned around the tapered screw conveyor to rotate therewith.

Abstract: Severed metal bearing ore is placed in a vessel having a water inlet at the bottom and an outlet at the top. A propeller causes water to flow upwardly through the vessel and to be discharged through the outlet carrying gangue with it. Concentrate, which is heavier because it contains the metal to be recovered, does not rise to the level of the outlet and therefore remains in the vessel. To achieve better vertical separation of the gangue and concentrate, a horizontal screen is positioned above the propeller to equalize pressure and inhibit rotational flow in the upper portion of the vessel.

Abstract: Mineral separating apparatus comprises a hydraulic classifier provided with an exterior wall, an open bottom sorting column within said exterior wall, and means for introducing a swirl of hydraulic medium in the sorting column. The exterior wall provides a quiescent zone between the bottom of the sorting column and further has a spigot connected to the quiescent zone for discharge of refuse. A launder section is disposed above said exterior wall and sorting column and is in communication therewith. First and second weirs in said launder section are located on opposite sides, respectively, of said exterior wall. The first weir is higher than the second weir to provide a hydraulic flow gradient therebetween.

Abstract: An improved separation cell suitable for use in a hot water method for extracting bitumen from tar sands. The improvement lies substantially in the hollow inverted frusto-cone shaped bottom of the cell having a means for injecting hydroseparation liquid into the cavity formed by the frusto-conical bottom.